Case Study

Schaffner Dairy, Holtville, CA

Energy Efficiency Study

Situation:

Schaffner Dairy, located in Holtville, California, houses approximately 1,000 cows that are milked twice daily in double parlors. Milk production varies seasonally, but averages approximately 59.9 lbs/cow/day. The milk is stored in refrigerated tanks prior to transportation. Schaffner Dairy needed to upgrade their facility to reduce high-energy costs.

Their main areas of energy-consumption were:

• The milking vacuum pumps
• Standard milk pumps
• Lighting
• Electric water heaters
• Milk chiller

Solution:

To identify energy-efficiency measures and ultimately reduce overall operational costs, Lincus addressed Schaffner’s objectives by conducting a thorough site inspection, indepth interviews with key on-site personnel, and the review of past utility records. After this preliminary review was complete, Lincus’ was able to recommend the following energy-savings measures:

• Install VFDs on two 15hp vacuum pumps
• Install VFDs on the existing milk pumps
• Upgrade lighting from T-12 to T-8
• Install VFD pressure tank pump
• Install VFD cooling tower fan

Once all projects are implemented, Lincus’ estimate of installed costs would be $29,000, resulting in a 24% reduction in energy costs, or an annual savings of approximately $13,000 (providing a simple payback of just two years.)